In stop-and-frisk context, which statement describes the justification for a frisk?

• A. Probable cause to arrest
• B. Actual observation of a weapon
• C. Reason to believe the person is armed or dangerous.
• D. Guilt beyond reasonable doubt

Answer: (C)

In a stop-and-frisk, the frisk is justified when the officer has a reasonable belief that the person is armed or dangerous. This protective pat-down is allowed to ensure the officer’s safety during a lawful stop, and it’s limited to detecting weapons, not searching for general contraband. The belief must be reasonable under the circumstances, based on factors like behavior, appearance, location, and any indicators the person might be armed. This standard comes from the idea that an officer may take a brief, nonintrusive measure to check for weapons when there is a risk to safety. It does not require probable cause to arrest, nor does it demand actual observation of a weapon, and it is not tied to guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a conviction standard, not a police action standard.